There are two ways to enjoy the Kentucky Derby in Louisville--VIP or down and dirty.

VIP
You are going to want to get yourself to 21C hotel or The Barnstable Brown Gala. 21C, one of the coolest new hotels in the U.S., hosts a contemporary art museum and plenty of private parties. The hotel owners actually book out most of the properties 91 rooms, but visiting the hotel for drinks is not out of the question.

As for finding available Kentucky Derby hotels in Louisville for this year--forget it, focus on next year.

Down and DirtyFourth Street Live is Louisville's version of Bourbon Street. Expect to find live bands, plenty of grind it out clubs, outdoor bars and restaurants. The crowd will be college kids with fake ids, twenty-somethings on a roadie, local and visiting corporate clones, and plenty of people from out of town.

To get there from Churchill Downs, take I-264 East to I-65 North. From I-65 North, take the Broadway exit. Take a left on Broadway then a right on 4th.

Going to the derby? In Louisville this weekend? Leave your derby visiting tips in the comments section.